Wolfsburg | The Guardianhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/wolfsburg
Latest news and features from theguardian.com, the world's leading liberal voiceen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2018Tue, 20 Mar 2018 03:11:32 GMT2018-03-20T03:11:32Zen-gbGuardian News and Media Limited or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved. 2018The Guardianhttps://assets.guim.co.uk/images/guardian-logo-rss.c45beb1bafa34b347ac333af2e6fe23f.pnghttps://www.theguardian.com
Survival expert Labbadia struggling to keep Wolfsburg from trapdoor | Andy Brassellhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2018/mar/19/survival-expert-labbadia-struggling-keep-wolfsburg-from-trapdoor-bundesliga
<p>Wolfsburg’s continued plummet down the league has led to genuine fears they could finish bottom this season</p><p>When Bruno Labbadia arrives in a new post, it’s with a certain label attached– that of relegation battle specialist, and it’s one well-earned in successful fights against the drop at Stuttgart and Hamburg. If there’s a bright side to be looked upon after a tough couple of opening weeks at Wolfsburg, with one point taken from his opening four games in charge, it’s that he has the perfect situation in which to fulfil that reputation.</p><p>Saturday’s heartbreaking late defeat to high-flying Schalke, sealed by Robin Knoche’s unfortunate 86th-minute own goal, was hardly deserved but the result is very much the bottom line in Wolfsburg’s current state. “We wanted to close the spaces for them, to be compact, and we did a good job of succeeding,” said Labbadia. “The only thing that didn’t work is the result, and so we can’t take anything from the performance, but we have to build on what we showed today.”</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/mar/19/spal-juventus-napoli-shake-up-serie-a-title-race">Spirited Spal frustrate Juventus and shake up the bottom – and top – of Serie A | Paolo Bandini</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2018/mar/19/match-fixing-skenderbeu-albania-uefa-report-ban">‘Fixing matches like nobody has done before’: Skenderbeu’s amazing tale</a> </p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Matches made in heaven:<br><br> Beans and toast<br> Fish and chips<br> Batshuayi and Dortmund<br><br>He's scored again and this might be his most outrageous goal yet <a href="https://t.co/4iDFDOkcVp">pic.twitter.com/4iDFDOkcVp</a></p><p></p><p>Freiburg 1-2 Stuttgart, Eintracht Frankfurt 3-0 Mainz, Augsburg 1-3 Werder Bremen, Hamburg 1-2 Hertha Berlin, Borussia Mönchengladbach 3-3 Hoffenheim, Wolsburg 0-1 Schalke, Borussia Dortmund 1-0 Hannover, Cologne 2-0 Bayer Leverkusen, Leipzig 2-1 Bayern Munich</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2018/mar/19/survival-expert-labbadia-struggling-keep-wolfsburg-from-trapdoor-bundesliga">Continue reading...</a>WolfsburgBundesligaEuropean club footballFootballSportSchalkeMon, 19 Mar 2018 12:44:56 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2018/mar/19/survival-expert-labbadia-struggling-keep-wolfsburg-from-trapdoor-bundesligaPhotograph: Felipe Trueba/EPAPhotograph: Felipe Trueba/EPAAndy Brassell2018-03-19T12:44:56ZTayfun Korkut the unlikely architect of Stuttgart's revival | Andy Brassellhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2018/feb/19/tayfun-korkut-unlikely-architect-stuttgart-revival
<p>Less than a month after what seemed a deeply underwhelming appointment, it has begun to seem a brighter future is possible</p><p>The fabled ‘new manager bounce’ is one thing. Stuttgart winning away, though? That’s something else entirely and after a first victory on the road since winning promotion back to the top flight, Tayfun Korkut is earning the right to be taken seriously.</p><p>As the final whistle went on Sunday’s victory at overachieving Augsburg, there was a genuine sense of achievement. Stuttgart’s players celebrated not so much, it seemed, for getting one over near neighbours in Swabia but for the sensation that maybe a corner really has been turned. It has long been received wisdom that only maintaining their strong home form would keep Stuttgart up. That’s a fair theory on which to base a campaign for survival but giving up hope of ever getting anything from away games was somewhat less so. </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/feb/17/jupp-heynckes-bayern-munich-safe-pair-of-hands-desperate-to-stay">Jupp Heynckes, the safe pair of hands Bayern Munich can’t bear to lose</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2018/feb/19/cengiz-under-talent-no-longer-secret-profits-at-roma">Cengiz Under's talent no longer a secret as he profits at Roma | Paolo Bandini</a> </p><p></p><p>Hertha Berlin 0-2 Mainz, Cologne 1-1 Hannover, Hamburg 1-2 Bayer Leverkusen, Freiburg 1-0 Werder Bremen, Wolfsburg 1-2 Bayern Munich, Schalke 2-1 Hoffenheim, Augsburg 0-1 Stuttgart, Borussia Mönchengladbach 0-1 Borussia Dortmund. <b>Monday fixture</b> Eintracht Frankfurt v RB Leipzig.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2018/feb/19/tayfun-korkut-unlikely-architect-stuttgart-revival">Continue reading...</a>BundesligaStuttgartFootballEuropean club footballSportAugsburgBayern MunichWolfsburgBorussia DortmundBorussia MönchengladbachRB LeipzigMon, 19 Feb 2018 14:09:10 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2018/feb/19/tayfun-korkut-unlikely-architect-stuttgart-revivalPhotograph: Pixathlon/Rex/ShutterstockPhotograph: Pixathlon/Rex/ShutterstockAndy Brassell2018-02-19T14:09:10ZBundesliga round-up: Aubameyang suspended for Dortmund draw with Wolfsburghttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jan/14/bundesliga-dortmund-aubameyang-suspended-draw
• Gabon striker dropped for missing team meeting before 0-0 with Wolfsburg<br />• England prospect Jadon Sancho makes full league debut for Dortmund<p>Borussia Dortmund misfired in the goalless draw against VfL Wolfsburg on Sunday after suspending their leading striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang for a disciplinary offence.</p><p>The Gabon international, who has scored 13 league goals, was dropped just before the game after he missed a team meeting on Saturday in his latest disciplinary offence. Sporting director Michael Zorc later admitted he was frustrated with Aubameyang’s attitude, with some reports linking him with a move to Arsenal in this transfer window.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jan/14/rb-leipzig-will-not-let-naby-keita-leave-for-liverpool-in-january">RB Leipzig will not let Naby Keïta leave for Liverpool in January</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jan/14/bundesliga-dortmund-aubameyang-suspended-draw">Continue reading...</a>Borussia DortmundWolfsburgBundesligaFootballSportSun, 14 Jan 2018 19:17:36 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2018/jan/14/bundesliga-dortmund-aubameyang-suspended-drawPhotograph: TF-Images/Getty ImagesPhotograph: TF-Images/Getty ImagesReuters2018-01-14T19:17:36ZWolfsburg hungry for more as Englische Woche leaves Leipzig gasping for break | Andy Brassellhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/dec/14/wolfsburg-rb-leipzig-bundesliga
<p>Martin Schmidt has Wolfsburg climbing the Bundesliga table but the winter break can’t come soon enough for RB Leipzig</p><p>“I would say it’s something to learn from.” Divock Origi’s summary of his glaring second-half miss that might have given Wolfsburg victory over RB Leipzig might be considered to be erring on the side of circumspection – it was quite simply a sitter, despite his patient and detailed description of the circumstances that conditioned it to TV broadcasters after the game – but then again, his team are getting pretty good at that.</p><p>The appointment of Martin Schmidt, removed as Mainz coach after a too-close-for-comfort end to last season, hardly fired the imagination when Wolfsburg decided to end the difficult reign of Andries Jonker. Yet if his new side haven’t yet returned to the heights they were scaling when Kevin De Bruyne was running the show, their new coach has helped them to find stability.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/dec/11/atletico-get-back-to-what-they-know-and-make-la-liga-a-four-horse-race">Atlético get back to what they know and make La Liga a four-horse race | Sid Lowe</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/dec/11/dortmund-give-stoger-once-in-lifetime-chance-after-firing-bosz">Dortmund give Stöger 'once-in-a-lifetime' chance after firing Bosz | Andy Brassell</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/dec/11/inter-and-juventus-take-positives-from-serie-a-stalemate">Inter and Juventus take the positives from Serie A stalemate | Paolo Bandini</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/dec/14/wolfsburg-rb-leipzig-bundesliga">Continue reading...</a>BundesligaWolfsburgRB LeipzigEuropean club footballFootballSportThu, 14 Dec 2017 14:03:07 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/dec/14/wolfsburg-rb-leipzig-bundesligaPhotograph: Ronny Hartmann/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Ronny Hartmann/AFP/Getty ImagesAndy Brassell2017-12-14T14:03:07ZLast-minute penalty by Internazionale’s Mauro Icardi settles Milan derbyhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/oct/15/internazionale-milan-valencia-european-roundup
• Valencia beat Real Betis 6-3 and rise to second in La Liga table<br />• Wolfsburg come from behind twice to draw at Bayer Leverkusen<br /><br /><p><strong>Internazionale </strong>snatched a dramatic 3-2 win over <strong>Milan</strong> thanks to a last-minute penalty from Mauro Icardi, who completed his hat-trick and condemned Milan to a third successive league defeat.</p><p>Milan twice hit back to equalise but were sent tail-spinning towards a crisis after their defender Ricardo Rodríguez hauled down Danilo D’Ambrosio at a corner and Icardi converted his ninth league goal of the season.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/oct/15/choirul-huda-indonesian-goalkeeper-dies-persela-lamongan">Choirul Huda, Indonesian goalkeeper, dies after collision with team-mate</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/oct/15/internazionale-milan-valencia-european-roundup">Continue reading...</a>European club footballFootballSportInternazionaleAC MilanSampdoriaAtalantaGenoaCagliariFiorentinaUdineseValenciaReal BetisMálagaLeganésWolfsburgBayer LeverkusenBorussia MönchengladbachWerder BremenSun, 15 Oct 2017 21:48:40 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/oct/15/internazionale-milan-valencia-european-roundupPhotograph: Alessandro Garofalo/ReutersPhotograph: Alessandro Garofalo/ReutersAgencies2017-10-15T21:48:40ZEuropean roundup: James Rodríguez inspires Bayern to Bundesliga summithttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/sep/19/european-roundup-james-rodriguez-bayern-munich-schalke-internazionale
• On loan Real Madrid forward scores and assists in 3-0 win at Schalke<br />• Internazionale go top of Serie A despite surrendering 100% record<p>James Rodríguez made a stunning full debut for <strong>Bayern Munich</strong> as the Bundesliga champions returned to top spot for at least 24 hours with a 3-0 win at <strong>Schalke</strong>, while there was a change of leadership in Serie A, too, though <strong>Internazionale</strong> will be far less happy with only drawing 1-1 at <strong>Bologna</strong>, surrendering their 100% record.</p><p>For Bayern, Rodríguez scored one goal and had a hand in both the others as his side continued to ease the pressure on Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian coach came under fire after a <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/sep/09/hoffenheim-bayern-munich-bundesliga-match-report" title="">recent loss at Hoffenheim</a> but Tuesday’s result means Bayern have responded by scoring 10 goals without reply in their last three games.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/sep/19/barcelona-eibar-la-liga-match-report">Lionel Messi hits four to lead rampant Barcelona’s hammering of Eibar</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/sep/19/european-roundup-james-rodriguez-bayern-munich-schalke-internazionale">Continue reading...</a>European club footballBundesligaSerie AFootballBayern MunichJuventusSchalkeBolognaRB LeipzigSportBorussia MönchengladbachAugsburgWerder BremenWolfsburgTue, 19 Sep 2017 22:34:04 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/sep/19/european-roundup-james-rodriguez-bayern-munich-schalke-internazionalePhotograph: Patrik Stollarz/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Patrik Stollarz/AFP/Getty ImagesAgencies2017-09-19T22:34:04ZWoe of Cologne continues amid latest video replay stink | Andy Brassellhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/sep/18/woe-of-cologne-continues-amid-latest-video-replay-stink-bundesliga
<p>A 5-0 thrashing at Dortmund could have been worse, even with a dubious VAR decision, and there are already fears of a situation spinning out of control</p><p>Jörg Schmadtke rushed out to the Sky truck in the TV compound to pore over every possible angle – and to check his eyes weren’t deceiving him. By that point, the Köln sporting director had already been on the Signal Iduna Park pitch, shoulder to shoulder with the coach, Peter Stöger, protesting to the referee, Patrick Ittrich, over the award by VAR of Borussia Dortmund’s second goal. </p><p>Before any more fingers start pointing at Effzee about an anarchic end to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/sep/14/cologne-fans-arsenal-english-football-taste-medicine">a chaotic week</a>, we should add that this was a reasonable moment for both men to approach Ittrich. Sokratis Papastathopoulos’s belatedly given strike, which made it 2-0, was the last act of the first half before the players made their way off and Köln’s officials made the most of the moment to get their point across.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/sep/15/arsenal-cologne-fans-europa-league">‘For Cologne fans it was the biggest night of our lives. Thanks for having us’</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/sep/18/woe-of-cologne-continues-amid-latest-video-replay-stink-bundesliga">Continue reading...</a>CologneBundesligaEuropean club footballFootballSportBorussia DortmundBayern MunichMainz 05StuttgartWolfsburgWerder BremenSchalkeBayer LeverkusenFreiburgRB LeipzigBorussia Mönchengladbach1899 HoffenheimHertha BerlinAugsburgEintracht FrankfurtMon, 18 Sep 2017 13:13:38 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/sep/18/woe-of-cologne-continues-amid-latest-video-replay-stink-bundesligaPhotograph: Friedemann Vogel/EPAPhotograph: Friedemann Vogel/EPAAndy Brassell2017-09-18T13:13:38ZDortmund jettison Ousmane Dembélé worries as Peter Bosz has instant impact | Andy Brassellhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/aug/21/borussia-dortmund-ousmane-dembele-peter-bosz-wolfsburg
<p>Christian Pulisic and Mario Götze excelled in a ruthless, full-throttle victory at Wolfsburg which made mincemeat of the predictions after a summer of turmoil</p><p>Everybody loves a shock result on the opening day of the season. What was so unusual as the Bundesliga got back to business was that Borussia Dortmund’s comprehensive victory at Wolfsburg on Saturday afternoon – last term’s third-placed finishers winning at the team that ended third-bottom, having to win the dreaded relegation-promotion play-off to save themselves – felt as if it was one of them.</p><p>Given that this summer was supposed to tidy up some loose ends at Westfalen, it’s been far from a smooth ride for Dortmund and their fans over the last two-and-a-bit months. After the expected but <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/may/30/borussia-dortmund-sack-manager-thomas-tuchel-two-days-after-german-cup-win">clumsily handled exit of Thomas Tuchel</a>, Nice’s miracle worker, Lucien Favre (who previously performed similar feats at Hertha Berlin and Borussia Mönchengladbach), was expected to step in. There was one small problem. The Côte d’Azur club’s president, Jean-Pierre Rivère, wouldn’t play ball, and having had months to plan for the Tuchel succession, Dortmund’s CEO, Hans-Joachim Watzke, and sporting director, Michael Zorc, were left with an unsightly gap to fill, and quickly.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/aug/21/football-transfer-rumour-mill-pierre-emerick-aubameyang-chelsea-borussia-dortmund">Football transfer rumours: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to Chelsea?</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/aug/18/bayern-munich-bayer-leverkusen-bundesliga-report">Bayern Munich get help from VAR to see off Leverkusen in Bundesliga opener</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/aug/21/borussia-dortmund-ousmane-dembele-peter-bosz-wolfsburg">Continue reading...</a>BundesligaBorussia DortmundWolfsburgEuropean club footballFootballSportMon, 21 Aug 2017 09:47:04 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/aug/21/borussia-dortmund-ousmane-dembele-peter-bosz-wolfsburgPhotograph: Focke Strangmann/EPAPhotograph: Focke Strangmann/EPAAndy Brassell2017-08-21T09:47:04ZEuropean roundup: Atlético rally to draw after Griezmann red at Gironahttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/aug/19/juventus-cagliari-video-assistant-referee
• Griezmann booked twice before Atlético Madrid bounce back from 2-0 down<br />• Juventus win opener after Cagliari miss penalty awarded by video assistant<p><strong>Atlético Madrid</strong> demonstrated their remarkable team spirit to come roaring back from two goals and a man down to draw 2-2 at promoted <strong>Girona</strong>, after Antoine Griezmann had been sent off for the first time in his career.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/aug/19/bibiana-steinhaus-female-referee-bundesliga">Bibiana Steinhaus: female referee who stood up to Pep is ready for Bundesliga</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/aug/18/bayern-munich-bayer-leverkusen-bundesliga-report">Bayern Munich get help from VAR to see off Leverkusen in Bundesliga opener</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/aug/19/juventus-cagliari-video-assistant-referee">Continue reading...</a>European club footballAtlético MadridLa LigaGironaSerie AJuventusCagliariBundesligaBorussia DortmundWolfsburgFootballSportSat, 19 Aug 2017 19:41:56 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/aug/19/juventus-cagliari-video-assistant-refereePhotograph: Bagu Blanco/REX/ShutterstockPhotograph: Bagu Blanco/REX/ShutterstockReuters2017-08-19T19:41:56ZJohn Brooks becomes priciest US footballer with €20m Wolfsburg movehttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/may/31/john-brooks-wolfsburg-record-transfer-us-football-player
<ul><li>Central defender leaves hometown club Hertha Berlin </li><li>Previous record was held by striker Jozy Altidore</li></ul><p>John Brooks has become the most expensive US footballer in history after making the move from Hertha Berlin to Wolfsburg for a reported €20m ($22.5m). The previous record belonged to Jozy Altidore, who moved from AZ Alkmaar to Sunderland for €10m in 2013.</p><p>The defender was born in Berlin to an American father and German mother, and has played for Hertha for his entire career but reportedly requested a transfer. “It wasn’t an easy decision to leave my hometown, but after the talks with [sporting director] Olaf Rebbe and [coach] Andries Jonker I wanted to join Wolfsburg because both soon convinced me of their plans for VfL,” Brooks told Wolfsburg’s <a href="https://www.vfl-wolfsburg.de/info/aktuelles/detailseite/artikel/brooks-kommt-46356.html">official website</a>. “I want to contribute my share so that Wolfsburg can live up to their earlier success.”</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/may/26/christian-pulisic-interview-borussia-dortmund-us-soccer">Christian Pulisic: 'It was scary – you’re not thinking about football that night or the next day'</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/may/31/john-brooks-wolfsburg-record-transfer-us-football-player">Continue reading...</a>WolfsburgHertha BerlinBundesligaEuropean club footballFootballUSAUS sportsSportWed, 31 May 2017 19:45:15 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/may/31/john-brooks-wolfsburg-record-transfer-us-football-playerPhotograph: Felipe Trueba/EPAPhotograph: Felipe Trueba/EPAGuardian sport2017-05-31T19:45:15ZBundesliga: Wolfsburg face relegation play-off after late winner saves Hamburghttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/may/20/wolfsburg-hamburg-bundesliga-relegation-play-off
<p>• Luca Waldschmidt’s 88th-minute header settles crucial clash<br>• Philipp Lahm and Xabi Alonso play final Bayern Munich games</p><p>Luca Waldschmidt’s 88th-minute header sealed Hamburg’s Bundesliga survival and condemned opponents Wolfsburg to a relegation play-off.</p><p>Wolfsburg, who won the title in 2008-09 and reached the Champions League quarter-finals just last season, must tackle the third-placed team from Germany’s second tier to determine their fate. With one round of that division remaining, that team is likely to be local rivals Eintracht Braunschweig.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/englische-woche/2017/may/18/philipp-lahm-germany-bayern-munich-world-cup-bundeliga">Farewell Philipp Lahm, the man who won it all and left as a champion</a> </p><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Philipp Lahm leaves the pitch for the final time...what a career!<br><br> 701 career games<br> 22 trophies won<br><br>One of a kind <a href="https://t.co/oGHvQwrZKG">pic.twitter.com/oGHvQwrZKG</a></p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/may/12/red-bull-uefa-multiple-ownership-rules">Red Bull will need all its energy to overcome Uefa ownership rules | Richard Williams</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/may/20/wolfsburg-hamburg-bundesliga-relegation-play-off">Continue reading...</a>WolfsburgHamburgBundesligaEuropean club footballFootballSportSat, 20 May 2017 17:31:37 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/may/20/wolfsburg-hamburg-bundesliga-relegation-play-offPhotograph: Christian Charisius/APPhotograph: Christian Charisius/APPress Association2017-05-20T17:31:37ZChampions Bayern and woeful Wolfsburg look forward to very different futures | Andy Brassellhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/may/01/champions-bayern-munich-wolfsburg-bundesliga-different-futures
Bayern Munich wrapped up a fifth successive Bundesliga title sparking scenes of celebration, but the outlook for Wolfsburg is far bleaker<p>It has been a long couple of weeks for Bayern Munich. Little wonder, then, that Thiago Alcântara’s first words as the players made it back to the dressing room after celebrating with a fifth successive Bundesliga crown with their travelling fans at Wolfsburg were, according to Süddeutsche Zeitung, a throaty cry of “donde está el alcohol?”</p><p>Long after the season is done, Bayern will pick over the season’s two most costly defeats, each of which defy comprehension for very different reasons – against <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/apr/18/real-madrid-bayern-munich-champions-league-quarter-final-match-report" title="">Real Madrid, in the Champions League</a> and last week, against <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/apr/26/borussia-dortmund-bayern-munich-match-report-cup" title="">Borussia Dortmund in the DfB Pokal semi-final</a>. In that context, no specific celebration was planned for Lower Saxony on Saturday, where Bayern knew the title would be theirs if they won in the late game – providing RB Leipzig failed to beat Ingolstadt earlier, and that match had finished goalless.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/apr/29/bayern-munich-win-bundesliga-title-wolfsburg-match-report">Bayern Munich seal fifth consecutive Bundesliga title with Wolfsburg win</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/may/01/champions-bayern-munich-wolfsburg-bundesliga-different-futures">Continue reading...</a>BundesligaBayern MunichWolfsburgEuropean club footballFootballSportMon, 01 May 2017 11:11:39 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/may/01/champions-bayern-munich-wolfsburg-bundesliga-different-futuresPhotograph: Joern Pollex/Bundesliga/DFL via Getty ImagesPhotograph: Joern Pollex/Bundesliga/DFL via Getty ImagesAndy Brassell2017-05-01T11:11:39ZBayern Munich seal fifth consecutive Bundesliga title with Wolfsburg winhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/apr/29/bayern-munich-win-bundesliga-title-wolfsburg-match-report
<p>Bayern Munich secured a record-extending fifth consecutive Bundesliga title after beating Wolfsburg 6-0 to open up an unassailable 10-point lead with three matches remaining. The Bavarians, who have won 27 German championships, are on 73 points, with RB Leipzig in second place on 63 after they were held to a goalless draw by Ingolstadt.</p><p>“It is amazing what this team did again this season in the Bundesliga,” said the retiring Bayern captain, Philipp Lahm. “It is not a given we will always march through the league like we did this season.”</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/apr/29/real-madrid-valencia-la-liga-match-report">Marcelo rescues Real Madrid with late winner against Valencia</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/apr/29/bayern-munich-win-bundesliga-title-wolfsburg-match-report">Continue reading...</a>BundesligaBayern MunichWolfsburgEuropean club footballFootballSportSat, 29 Apr 2017 19:12:40 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/apr/29/bayern-munich-win-bundesliga-title-wolfsburg-match-reportPhotograph: John Macdougall/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: John Macdougall/AFP/Getty ImagesReuters2017-04-29T19:12:40ZCarlo Ancelotti laments Bayern’s off-day as 2-2 Mainz draw gives RB Leipzig hopehttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/apr/22/football-bundesliga-bayern-munich-rb-leipzig-carlo-ancelotti-title-race
• ‘We should have done better,’ says Bayern coach<br />• Second-placed RB Leipzig play Schalke on Sunday<p>Carlo Ancelotti, the Bayern Munich coach, admitted his side had an off-day in a 2-2 home draw against struggling Mainz which gave second-placed RB&nbsp;Leipzig a glimmer of hope.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/apr/18/real-madrid-bayern-munich-champions-league-quarter-final-match-report">Cristiano Ronaldo hat-trick seals Real Madrid win over Bayern Munich</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/apr/22/football-bundesliga-bayern-munich-rb-leipzig-carlo-ancelotti-title-race">Continue reading...</a>BundesligaBayern MunichCarlo AncelottiMainz 05RB LeipzigDarmstadtHamburgIngolstadtWerder BremenAugsburgEintracht FrankfurtWolfsburgHertha BerlinEuropean club footballFootballSportSat, 22 Apr 2017 18:15:26 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/apr/22/football-bundesliga-bayern-munich-rb-leipzig-carlo-ancelotti-title-racePhotograph: Matthias Schrader/APPhotograph: Matthias Schrader/APPress Association2017-04-22T18:15:26ZLeverkusen and Wolfsburg continue to flirt with Bundesliga oblivion | Andy Brassellhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/apr/03/leverkusen-and-wolfsburg-continue-to-flirt-with-bundesliga-oblivion
<p>The reality is jarring. Tayfun Korkut’s team are three clear of the relegation play-off spot and two clear of Wolfsburg, who they held to a thrilling 3-3 draw</p><p>On a weekend in which 35 goals were scored in the Bundesliga, the BayArena always seemed likely to chip in generously. Bayer Leverkusen and Wolfsburg fixtures, especially on this ground, produce goals, with the most notable occasion having been two years back, when the visitors let 3-0 and 4-2 leads slip before Bas Dost won the game at the death with his fourth goal of the afternoon.</p><p>The difference then was that both teams were riding the crests of relative waves, finishing the campaign in fourth and second positions in the table respectively. Already, that seems like a very long time ago.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/apr/01/bundesliga-roundup-robert-lewandowski-bayern-munich">Bundesliga roundup: Robert Lewandowski hat-trick keeps Bayern Munich in control</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/apr/03/leverkusen-and-wolfsburg-continue-to-flirt-with-bundesliga-oblivion">Continue reading...</a>BundesligaEuropean club footballFootballBayer LeverkusenWolfsburgSportMon, 03 Apr 2017 10:32:03 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/apr/03/leverkusen-and-wolfsburg-continue-to-flirt-with-bundesliga-oblivionPhotograph: Friedemann Vogel/EPAPhotograph: Friedemann Vogel/EPAAndy Brassell2017-04-03T10:32:03ZAndries Jonker inspires confidence to keep Wolfsburg from the door | Andy Brassellhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/mar/13/andries-jonker-inspires-confidence-to-keep-wolfsburg-from-the-door
<p>The Dutch manager presided over a surprise victory against RB Leipzig to boost relegation-threatened Wolfsburg’s hopes of avoiding the drop </p><p>If ever there was a weekend to get it right, it was this one. In its afterglow, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/mar/11/bayern-munich-bundesliga-rb-lepizig-wolfsburg-dortmund">Wolfsburg’s win at second-placed RB Leipzig</a> looked like a tremendous bonus on Saturday evening. 24 hours later, after Hamburg rolled over the in-form Borussia Mönchengladbach, it looked more like an absolute necessity. </p><p>Neutrals dismayed at Bayern Munich’s ease towards another Bundesliga title, as much through the inconsistency of their rivals as their own strengths, at least have the promise of the battle at the bottom to keep them going. Everybody is picking up points – even rock-bottom Darmstadt won this weekend, for goodness’ sake – and amidst the flurry, the suspicion in recent weeks is that Wolfsburg might get blown into the eye of the storm. </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/mar/11/bayern-munich-bundesliga-rb-lepizig-wolfsburg-dortmund">Bayern go 10 clear at top of Bundesliga after RB Leipzig lose to Wolfsburg</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/mar/13/internazionale-deliver-seven-good-reasons-to-dream-of-champions-league">Internazionale deliver seven good reasons to dream of Champions League | Paolo Bandini</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/mar/13/andries-jonker-inspires-confidence-to-keep-wolfsburg-from-the-door">Continue reading...</a>BundesligaWolfsburgFootballEuropean club footballSportMon, 13 Mar 2017 14:04:43 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2017/mar/13/andries-jonker-inspires-confidence-to-keep-wolfsburg-from-the-doorPhotograph: Robert Michael/AFP/Getty ImagesPhotograph: Robert Michael/AFP/Getty ImagesAndy Brassell2017-03-13T14:04:43ZBayern go 10 clear at top of Bundesliga after RB Leipzig lose to Wolfsburghttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/mar/11/bayern-munich-bundesliga-rb-lepizig-wolfsburg-dortmund
<p>• Robert Lewandowski hits two in 3-0 win over Eintracht Frankfurt<strong> </strong><br><strong>• </strong>Borussia Dortmund lose at Hertha Berlin, Hoffenheim draw at Freiburg</p><p>Robert Lewandowski scored twice to help<strong> Bayern Munich</strong> beat <strong>Eintracht Frankfurt </strong>3-0 on Saturday and open up a 10-point lead at the top of the Bundesliga.</p><p>Playing their fifth game in 15 days and four days after their<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/mar/07/arsenal-bayern-munich-champions-league-match-report" title=""> 5-1 Champions League demolition of Arsenal,</a> Bayern never hit top form but are cruising to a record-extending fifth straight league crown with second-placed <strong>RB Leipzig</strong> losing 1-0 to <strong>Wolfsburg</strong>.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/mar/10/juventus-milan-match-report-paulo-dybala-scores-last-minute-penalty">Juventus beat Milan as Paulo Dybala nets controversial last-minute penalty</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/mar/11/bayern-munich-bundesliga-rb-lepizig-wolfsburg-dortmund">Continue reading...</a>BundesligaEuropean club footballBayern MunichEintracht FrankfurtRB LeipzigWolfsburgBorussia DortmundHertha Berlin1899 HoffenheimFreiburgFootballSportSat, 11 Mar 2017 18:36:43 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/mar/11/bayern-munich-bundesliga-rb-lepizig-wolfsburg-dortmundPhotograph: Wolfgang Rattay/ReutersPhotograph: Wolfgang Rattay/ReutersReuters2017-03-11T18:36:43ZArsenal’s academy manager Andries Jonker named Wolfsburg coachhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/feb/27/arsenal-andries-jonker-wolfsburg-coach
• Dutchman replaced Liam Brady at Arsenal in 2014<br />• Freddie Ljungberg will also leave role with academy<p>Wolfsburg have confirmed that Arsenal’s academy manager, Andries Jonker, will take over as their new coach.</p><p>Jonker, who <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2014/jan/20/arsenal-appoint-andries-jonker-head-academy">replaced Liam Brady</a> at Arsenal in 2014, previously served as an assistant at the Bundesliga club having also worked under Louis van Gaal with Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Holland. The 54-year-old Dutchman has signed a contract until the end of next season will replace former Crystal Palace defender Valérien Ismaël, who was sacked following the 2-1 home defeat to Werder Bremen that left Wolfsburg only two points outside the relegation zone.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2015/oct/21/arsenal-under-19s-thierry-henry-andries-jonker">Arsenal youngsters thrive in Europe, with help from Thierry Henry | Amy Lawrence</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/feb/27/arsenal-andries-jonker-wolfsburg-coach">Continue reading...</a>ArsenalFootballSportWolfsburgMon, 27 Feb 2017 11:52:34 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2017/feb/27/arsenal-andries-jonker-wolfsburg-coachPhotograph: Peter Steffen/APPhotograph: Peter Steffen/APGuardian sport2017-02-27T11:52:34ZJulian Draxler agrees move to PSG from Wolfsburg in reported £40m dealhttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/dec/24/julian-draxler-move-psg-wolfsburg
• Germany attacking midfielder’s transfer is subject to a medical<br />• Fee undisclosed but report in Germany puts it at £35.8m rising to £40m<p>The Germany attacking midfielder Julian Draxler is to join Paris Saint-Germain from Wolfsburg in a deal reportedly worth up to €47m (£40m).</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/dec/21/mario-balotelli-sent-off-nice-bordeaux-ligue-1-monaco-psg">Mario Balotelli sent off for kicking out as nine-man Nice are held at Bordeaux</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/dec/24/julian-draxler-move-psg-wolfsburg">Continue reading...</a>Paris Saint-GermainWolfsburgTransfer windowEuropean club footballFootballSportSat, 24 Dec 2016 12:19:18 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/dec/24/julian-draxler-move-psg-wolfsburgPhotograph: Peter Steffen/EPAPhotograph: Peter Steffen/EPAAgencies2016-12-24T12:19:18ZDavid Wagner pledges future to Huddersfield amid Bundesliga interesthttps://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/dec/20/david-wagner-focused-huddersfield-town-bundesliga-interest
• Manager was reported to have been lined up by Wolfsburg<br />• Chairman Dean Hoyle: ‘We are not to be toyed with’<p>The Huddersfield Town manager, David Wagner, has pledged his future to the Championship club following speculation linking him with the Bundesliga side Wolfsburg.</p><p>Wagner, 45, was reported by various German news outlets on Monday to have been lined up as a replacement for the current Wolfsburg coach, Valérien Ismaël.</p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/blog/2016/dec/19/bundesliga-managers-on-edge-before-winter-break-as-red-christmas-awaits">Bundesliga managers on edge before winter break as Red Christmas awaits | Raphael Honigstein</a> </p><p> <span>Related: </span><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/sep/09/huddersfield-david-wagner-no-electricity-no-beds-football-championship">Huddersfield’s David Wagner: ‘We had no electricity, no toilet, no beds and no mobile phones’</a> </p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/dec/20/david-wagner-focused-huddersfield-town-bundesliga-interest">Continue reading...</a>HuddersfieldChampionshipBundesligaWolfsburgEuropean club footballSportFootballTue, 20 Dec 2016 15:35:19 GMThttp://www.theguardian.com/football/2016/dec/20/david-wagner-focused-huddersfield-town-bundesliga-interestPhotograph: Richard Calver/REX/ShutterstockPhotograph: Richard Calver/REX/ShutterstockGuardian sport2016-12-20T15:35:19Z